Where people choose to live and where people choose to work are influenced by cost of living (see Regional Home Sales). These factors in turn influence how far people's commute patterns. This section provides an overview of data related to where people live and commute to.

Total Inbound-Outbound Commuters—From 1960 to 2010, the number of both outbound and inbound commuters to Thurston County grew dramatically. During this period, there were more outbound than inbound commuters to Thurston County. Since 1970, the gap has widened. In the 2006–2010 period there was an annual average of 32,625 outbound and 19,615 inbound commuters to Thurston County.

Commutes by Destination—In 2006–2010, nearly 20% of workers living in Thurston County traveled out of the county for jobs, and of those, more than half worked in Pierce County.

Thurston-to-Thurston Commutes—Since 1970, the share of Thurston County residents who commuted out of county doubled from 14% to 28%. At present, nearly 72% of Thurston County residents work within the county.

Outbound Commuters and Inbound Commuters

Outbound Commuters are people living in Thurston County who commute from Thurston County for work. Inbound Commuters are people living outside Thurston County who commute to Thurston County for work.